Liberal Rite

In explaining how the Liberal Rite was developed, Bishop Wedgwood states:[1] "We set to work to eliminate the many features which from our point of view disfigure and weaken the older liturgies.

References to fear of God, to His wrath and to everlasting damnation were taken out, also the constant insistence on the sinfulness and worthlessness of man and the frequent appeals for mercy.

And every opportunity was given to the congregation to join in the worship with all the resources of mind and will and emotion and self-dedication they were able to command.

The sentiments put into the mouth of the worshiper are such as those who are filled with the spirit of devotion and service can honestly and sincerely utter....

It stresses the idea of co-operation with the Divine Father rather than that of supplication, and being outward-turned in the service of God and His world soon enables a man to realize something of the boundless resources of his own being.